Dussehra celebrated in valley; Ravana effigy burned at Srinagar’s SK Stadium

104

SRINAGAR: Dussehra was celebrated with great enthusiasm across the valley.

The main event took place at Srinagar’s Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, where a towering effigy of Ravana was set ablaze. According to Hinduism, this marks the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the celebration saw participation from various communities, including local Kashmiri Pandits, who have continued to observe the festival despite being a minority in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, a Kashmiri Pandit resident said, “Celebrating Dussehra in the valley reminds us of our roots and shared traditions. It’s a moment of unity and hope for all of us.”

Another Kashmiri Pandit, Sanjay Kumar, said, “Dussehra in Kashmir holds special significance. It brings a sense of community and togetherness, something we deeply cherish.”

Adding to the event’s significance, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah attended and extended his greetings to the people. He highlighted the role of festivals in fostering community bonds.

The celebration concluded with a spectacular display of fireworks lighting up the Srinagar sky, which marked the end of the festivities.